Lack of public trust and confidence has been cited as the main reason the Agyapa Mineral Royalties agreement stalled, the Civil Society Platform on Oil and Gas has said.
The Society was presenting its findings as part of a report on how political considerations impact efforts to improve governance and development outcomes of the country’s extractive sector.
Dr Steve Manteaw, Chair of the CSOs said though the intention is to optimize revenue from the sector was laudable, a series of actions and inactions on the part of government contributed to the mistrust.
Speaking at a workshop organised by the Star Ghana Foundation, he cited how information about the transaction found its way into the public domain first before government was compelled to come out with its side of the story as one of the factors that brought about the mistrust.
He explains, the situation would have been a lot different if government had engaged the public about the initiative.
Dr Manteaw also cited the involvement of some key politically exposed persons in the transaction, he says perpetuated the perception that only a few members of the elite are positioning themselves to enjoy the largesse of the state.
As President Akufo Addo prepares to return the Agyapa agreement to Parliament, Dr Manteaw is advising the government to be more proactive in its communication on the new deal and be transparent with the public.
Latest Stories
-
Blue Ivy Carter joins mum Beyoncé in Lion King prequel
11 mins -
Initiative to empower women in West and Central African maritime security sector launched
15 mins -
Our policies are youth-centered, necessary for development – Bawumia
37 mins -
US Army Major convicted for smuggling guns to Ghana disguised as rice and home goods
1 hour -
#WAFFEST2024: Ghana leads charge in promoting African cuisines on the global stage
1 hour -
Music industry lacks peace since I joined – Davido
1 hour -
Consumer financial education: Demystifying personal loan structure
1 hour -
Ejisu by-election: Voting underway
1 hour -
Africa can only attract development finance with sustainable debts – Seth Terkper
1 hour -
Today’s front pages: Tuesday, April 30, 2024
2 hours -
ReFinD initiative funds 17 projects to boost digital financial inclusion
2 hours -
I’m not a front-runner to be Bawumia’s running mate, says Bryan Acheampong
2 hours -
Mobile money sales boy accused of over GH¢1.3m theft – Court awaits AG’s direction
2 hours -
EC’s stolen BVR kits, laptops: One granted bail, three still on remand
2 hours -
Dela Seade assumes role as CEO for Black Sheep Foundation
2 hours